Benjamin Franklin's Compromise: The Constitution

Benjamin Franklin was a printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman who played an influential role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence. He was the oldest signer of the U.S. Constitution and brought seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the creation of the document. At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Franklin gave a speech in which he expressed his support for the Constitution, despite having some reservations about certain parts of it. He acknowledged that the document was not perfect, but believed that it was the best that could be achieved at the time and that a general government was necessary for the country. Franklin also emphasized the importance of unanimity among the delegates and urged them to set aside their personal objections for the greater good.

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Benjamin Franklin believed a general government was necessary

Benjamin Franklin, in his address to the Federal Convention on September 17, 1787, expressed his belief in the necessity of a general government. Despite having several reservations about the Constitution, Franklin ultimately agreed to it, acknowledging the importance of a unified government for the nation.

Franklin, an esteemed figure in American history, played a significant role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence. He was a proponent of freedom, particularly freedom of the press, and his wisdom and experience contributed greatly to the creation of the Constitution.

In his speech, Franklin acknowledged that while there were aspects of the Constitution that he did not approve of, he was open to changing his opinions based on better information or fuller consideration. He recognized the diversity of opinions among the delegates and the challenges of reaching a unanimous decision. However, he believed that a general government was necessary for the country's well-being.

Franklin's exact words were: "In these sentiments, Sir, I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general Government necessary for us, and there is no form of Government but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered". He further added, "I doubt too whether any other Convention we can obtain, may be able to make a better Constitution". Franklin's pragmatism and recognition of the limitations of human wisdom influenced his decision to agree to the Constitution.

Additionally, Franklin emphasized the importance of unanimity in recommending the Constitution, stating, "I cannot help expressing a wish that every member of the Convention, who may still have objections to it, would with me, on this occasion, doubt a little of his own infallibility, and to make manifest our unanimity, put his name to this instrument". He believed that a unified front would strengthen the government's efficiency and its ability to secure happiness for the people.

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's agreement to the Constitution stemmed from his belief in the necessity of a general government for the nation. He trusted in the potential for the Constitution to be well-administered and bring about blessings for the people. His pragmatism, wisdom, and desire for unanimity among the delegates influenced his decision to support the formation of a general government through the adoption of the Constitution.

He thought the Constitution was the best that could be expected

Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate to attend the Constitutional Convention of 1787 at 81 years old. He was a respected figure who had dedicated over 60 years of his life to public service. He was also a printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman.

Franklin admitted that there were parts of the Constitution with which he disagreed, but he was open to the possibility that he might change his mind in the future. He recognized that the document was the product of joint wisdom, along with the prejudices, passions, errors of opinion, local interests, and selfish views of the men involved. He acknowledged the diversity of opinions and the difficulty of finding common ground.

Franklin agreed to the Constitution because he believed a general government was necessary and that any form of government could be a blessing to the people if well administered. He doubted that any other convention could create a better Constitution. He also recognized the importance of unanimity and wanted to prevent the potential negative consequences of reporting objections to their constituents.

Franklin's speech at the Constitutional Convention reflected his pragmatism and willingness to compromise. He set aside his personal views for the betterment of the nation, understanding that perfection was unattainable in such a diverse assembly. Franklin's support for the Constitution, despite his misgivings, demonstrated his commitment to unity and the public good.

He was doubtful a better Constitution could be made

Benjamin Franklin was a printer, inventor, scientist, and statesman who played an influential role in the Revolutionary War era and the fight for American independence. He was the oldest signer of the U.S. Constitution, bringing seasoned intellect, insight, and patriotism to the creation of this document.

On September 17, 1787, Franklin gave a speech at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, during which he expressed his doubts about the possibility of creating a better Constitution. He acknowledged that while there were aspects of the Constitution that he did not approve of at the time, he was open to the possibility of changing his mind in the future:

> "I confess that there are several parts of this constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them. For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged by better information or fuller consideration, to change opinions even on important subjects, which I once thought right, but found to be otherwise. It is therefore that the older I grow, the more apt I am to doubt my own judgment, and to pay more respect to the judgment of others."

Franklin recognized that the delegates to the Convention had diverse opinions and that it was challenging to reach a consensus. He questioned whether a perfect outcome could be expected from such a gathering:

> "From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected? It therefore astonishes me, sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it does.... Thus I consent, Sir, to this Constitution, because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best."

Franklin further emphasized the importance of unanimity and encouraged those with objections to set aside their infallibility and unite for the betterment of the nation. He believed that a general government was necessary and that the Constitution could be a blessing if well administered. Franklin's pragmatism and willingness to compromise were crucial in shaping the U.S. Constitution and the vision for the new nation.

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He believed the Constitution would unite the States

Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate to attend the Constitutional Convention of 1787 at 81 years old. He was a respected figure who had served in the Pennsylvania legislature for twelve years and acted as the American Minister to France during the Revolutionary War. Franklin was also a proponent of freeing American slaves and a lifetime champion of the First Amendment, particularly freedom of the press.

Franklin's last public service was in the Constitutional Convention, where he played a role in hammering out the landmark "Great Compromise," which solidified elements of both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans. This compromise granted representation based on population in the House of Representation and equal representation in the Senate.

Franklin acknowledged that the Constitution had faults and aspects that he did not approve of. However, he agreed to it because he believed it would unite the States and prevent their separation, as he expressed in his speech:

> "It therefore astonishes me, Sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it does; and I think it will astonish our enemies, who are waiting with confidence to hear that our councils are confounded...and that our States are on the point of separation, only to meet hereafter for the purpose of cutting one another's throats. Thus I consent, Sir, to this Constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best."

Franklin further emphasized the importance of unanimity in his speech, urging delegates with objections to doubt their infallibility and put their names to the instrument:

> "On the whole, Sir, I cannot help expressing a wish that every member of the Convention, who may still have objections to it, would with me, on this occasion doubt a little of his own infallibility, and to make manifest our unanimity, put his name to this instrument."

Franklin recognized that a diverse assembly of men would bring their prejudices, passions, and errors of opinion to the creation of the Constitution. Despite this, he believed that a general government was necessary and that the Constitution could be a blessing to the people if well administered. He also considered the potential consequences of publicly expressing his objections, recognizing that doing so could prevent the Constitution from being generally received and reduce its effectiveness. Thus, he sacrificed his opinions of its errors for the public good, stating:

> "The opinions I have had of its errors, I sacrifice to the public good—I have never whispered a syllable of them abroad—Within these walls they were born, and here they shall die—If every one of us in returning to our Constituents were to report the objections he has had to it, and endeavor to gain partizans in support of them, we might prevent its being generally received, and thereby lose all the salutary effects & great advantages resulting naturally in our favor among foreign Nations as well as among ourselves, from our real or apparent unanimity."

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin agreed to the Constitution because he believed it would unite the States and prevent their separation. He recognized the challenges inherent in crafting a perfect document with a diverse assembly but ultimately prioritized unity and the potential benefits of a general government. Franklin also considered the potential consequences of publicly expressing his objections, ultimately sacrificing his personal opinions for the perceived greater good of the nation.

Franklin was a proponent of freeing American slaves

Benjamin Franklin was a complex figure in American history, with a range of views and experiences that evolved over time. While he was a slave owner and beneficiary of the slave trade, he eventually became a vocal opponent of slavery and actively worked towards its abolition.

Franklin's views on slavery evolved over time, and by the 1780s, he had become a vocal abolitionist. He wrote and gave speeches condemning slavery and urging Congress to act. In 1787, he became the President of the Philadelphia Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage, also known as the Abolition Society. The society, founded by a group of abolitionist Quakers and Anthony Benezet in 1774, worked not only for the abolition of slavery but also to help freed slaves transition to a free life. Franklin's last public act was a petition to Congress on behalf of the society, in which he asked them to "cut the cancer of slavery out of the American body politic" and grant liberty "to those unhappy men who alone in this land of freedom are degraded into perpetual bondage."

Franklin's anti-slavery efforts extended beyond the Abolition Society. He signed a public anti-slavery appeal in 1787, just weeks before the Constitutional Convention, stating that “the Creator of the world” had made “of one flesh, all the children of men.” Additionally, he wrote several essays stressing the importance of abolishing slavery and integrating African Americans into American society. Franklin's petition to Congress in 1790, just two months before his death, was immediately denounced by pro-slavery congressmen and sparked a heated debate. Unfortunately, the Senate took no action on the petition, and Franklin passed away shortly after.

In conclusion, while Benjamin Franklin's early life included slave ownership and financial benefits from the slave trade, he ultimately became a proponent of freeing American slaves. His later years were marked by vocal opposition to slavery, and he used his influence to advocate for abolition and support the integration of formerly enslaved people into society. Franklin's efforts laid the groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery in America, demonstrating his commitment to the ideals of liberty and equality.

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